Catalogue description FAIRHURST PAPERS

The papers were in the possession of Sir Matthew Hale at his death, but, in addition to his own papers, contain papers from other sources, not all of which can now be identified with certainty. Papers formerly at Lambeth Palace are contained in MSS/3470-2 and continue the series of Fairhurst Papers from Lambeth Palace purchased in 1963 (MSS/2000-19). A small quantity of papers belonged to John Selden. These are now in MSS/3513 and 3528, but it is possible that other papers also belonged to him, notably in MS. 3472. The papers of Sir Matthew Hale occupy MSS/3474-3533. Amongst them are several volumes of medical interest (MSS/3520-7), all of which probably (and MSS/3522-7 certainly) belonged to the same person, but the manner in which they came into Hale's possession is unknown. Most of the papers in MS. 3473 probably belonged to James Beaulieu, Secretary in the French language to James I. It is likely that some items (e.g. MS. 3472, ff.128-130v) originated in government circles. Loose papers of large format have been bound in MS. 3474.

In binding the papers, an attempt has been made to separate the Lambeth and Selden material from the Hale papers and papers from other sources, but this has not always been possible. MSS/3475, 3477-8, 3480-3508, 3510-11, 3515, 3517-28 were bound by Hale or shortly after his death, and their internal arrangement has not been disturbed either in the course of cataloguing or where rebinding has been necessary. Where possible these volumes have been preserved in their original bindings.

In the catalogue dates are given in New Style.

Hale, Matthew, 1609-1676, judge of London

MSS/3470-3533 were purchased from Mr. James Fairhurst in 1988 with the aid of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Purchase Grant Fund, the Friends of the National Libraries and the Friends of Lambeth Palace Library.